Course Overview

In this course, we will read about and discuss various topics relating to minds of Japanese and Japanese culture.

Learning Achievement

1) Gain knowledge of the Japanese perspective of society and it’s value
2) Understand the relationship between the Japanese value and it’s social phenomena (e.g. family, education, generation gaps, technology, communication, etc. )
3) Compare the Japanese social phenomena with those of students’ home countries and understand the differences.

Competence

Communication ability 25%
Ability for critical and creative thinking 25%
Broad perspective and international character 25%
Cooperative, independent, and autonomous attitudes 25%

Course prerequisites

None

Grading Philosophy

class discussion (9%)
On-line quiz (20 %)
In-class quizzes (6%)
Final Examination (65%)

Course schedule

This class is to help students to understand the Japanese unique social values such as minds, senses, values, custom, communication, habits, etc. which are not understood by observation. Students will be able to predict how the Japanese act or respond in a certain situation. The aspects of the Japanese culture will be discussed further with case studies.
Class introduction,
Aimai (ambiguity) pp.9-16 Handout: Does the Japanese “yes” mean “no”?
Bushid？ (the way of warrior) pp. 41-50
Giri (Social obligation) pp. 95-101
D？ spirit pp. 71-82
Gambri (Patience and determination) pp. 83-93
Uchi and soto (pp.217-222)
Honne to Tatemae (Private vs. Public Stance) pp.115-118
Haragei (Implicit way of communication) pp.103-108
Nemawashi (Groundwork) pp.159-163
Bigaku (Sense of beauty) pp. 35- 40
Kisetsu (Sense of the season) pp.153-158
Wabi-sabi (Simplicity and elegance) pp. 223-232
Sh？dan Ishiki (Group Consciousness) pp. 195-200
Iitokodori (Adapting elements of foreign culture) pp.127-133
Kenkyo (modesty) pp.143-151
Chinmoku (Silence) pp. 51-59
Otogibanashi (folktales) pp. 171-177, Read some folktales of Japan (handouts)
Amae (Dependence) pp. 17-21
overall review, comprehensive quiz, and feedback

Course type

Lectures

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

Yamamoto Chinami

Other information

To be announced during the first class

Site for Inquiry

Link to the syllabus provided by the university